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So limited in other options was the Portuguese that he not only used young centre-back Japhet Tanganga as a back-up to Aurier, but he created an entire defensive system that allowed the Ivorian to be freed up from doing as much defending and also to conserve some of his energy.

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The use of Tanganga and, in the face of that lack of options, allowing Kyle Walker-Peters to head out on loan to Southampton indicates that the former England U21 international is unlikely to have a long-term future under Mourinho.

Walker-Peters was not forcing his way into Pochettino's plans beforehand either, even after starting the early games of the season in Aurier's absence before picking up a small injury.

Despite the potential he has to be a Premier League player, it looks like the U20 World Cup winner will be either heading back out on loan next season or sold to raise funds for Spurs' transfers.

Juan Foyth, used at right-back under Pochettino, has all but been dismissed for the role by Mourinho and his future looks increasingly like lying elsewhere next season.

With no youngster ready just yet to step up from the academy at the moment that means Tottenham will have to enter the market for a natural right-back.

That is not as simple as it sounds though and that is because of Aurier.

Spurs need to sign someone for the now. Even if they go for a younger right-back than Walker-Peters, like Norwich City's Max Aarons or Ajax teenager Sergino Dest, those players, coming in having been first choice in their clubs would expect to be getting plenty of game time.

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Aurier has made no secret of the fact that he wanted to leave Spurs last summer. He did not feel like he was undisputed first choice and even after Kieran Trippier's exit to Atletico Madrid, the Ivorian told the club he wanted to move on, with AC Milan and PSG interested.

The defender was not allowed to go in the end and ultimately found happiness under Mourinho as he was playing almost every minute of every game and there has even been recent talk of him getting a new contract.

However, a new arrival, particularly the talented young players Spurs are looking at, will take minutes away from Aurier and with his inconsistent performances, despite the system being built around him, his first choice status could be at risk.

There are also other more experienced right-back options out there, with Tottenham looking closely at bargains and free transfers in the current financial climate.

Aurier's former PSG team-mate Thomas Meunier ticks the right boxes as a free agent in the next transfer window and it's worth noting that the 28-year-old ousted Aurier as first choice in Paris.

When Aurier spoke about his desire to leave last year, he also hinted that there were other factors at play.

In September he said: "I had something in my head, but I didn’t want to leave for the gaffer or the chairman.

“It was my personal situation and now it is OK, everyone wants to give me another chance and now I am happy to stay and happy to play and happy for the victory.

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“Nothing has changed in my life. I stay and now I want to prove and give my best for the supporters, for the club, for everyone."

When asked about the competition at Tottenham for his spot, he said: "What competition? There isn't any."

While that would not have gone down well with the likes of Walker-Peters and Foyth that summer, the following month he indicated it was more about game time.

"That desire to leave, I think it's a bit normal. I'm an important player of the national team. I'm not 20 anymore and I need to play, to be happy," he said.

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That Aurier still wanted to leave after Trippier had departed from the club indicates that he was still unsure over his future and who might be coming into the club as his competitor for the spot, as Spurs were linked with numerous replacements for the England right-back.

Only last month the 27-year-old said he planned to return to PSG to finish his career.

There will of course be a different manager at the helm in the next transfer window to last summer, but how the Ivorian reacts to new competition coming in, amid reports that AC Milan and PSG continue to monitor his situation, and the finances available will decide whether Spurs end up having to bring in two right-backs before next season rolls around.